Periodontal disease is the loss of the periodontal attachment apparatus (periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, cementum and gingiva). Since 75-85% of these structures are identified below the soft tissues of the oral cavity (e.g. gingiva, alveolar mucosa, and palatal mucosa), a thorough clinical subgingival evaluation and intraoral radiographs are required to assess, diagnose and treat periodontal disease.
Tags: Ask the Vet, cats, Dogs, dogs, health, Pet dental health month, Pet Health, pet health, preventative pet care
Preventive care and client education is an important step to introducing, implementing and improving overall dental and oral medical quality in your practices. Understanding the veterinary team’s (DVMs, veterinary technicians and assistants, receptionists, managers) role in preventing periodontal disease before pathology develops through the three keys to preventive dental care are critical steps to embrace. Suggestions for partnering with your clients to actively involve them in their pet’s oral home care, understanding client perceptions, providing confident and personalized recommendations, working as a team to change and improve the hospital culture will be addressed.
Tags: Ask the Vet, Cats, cats, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, Pet dental health month, Pet Health, preventative pet care
Not only is the type of food that we feed our furry family members important but, it is also critical to know HOW MUCH we should be feeding. We are often asked, “How much of this food should I be feeding my pet per day?” and the answer is, “It depends.” We aren’t trying to be difficult, we promise. The reality is however, that a lot of different factors go into determining what the right amount of food is for your pet.
Tags: Ask the Vet, Cats, Diet, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, Pet Food, Pet Health, Pets, tips, Weight
It may be “the most wonderful time of the year,” but it can also be the most dangerous for your pet. Holiday decorations and festive foods can put your pet at risk, so take precautions to prevent holiday mishaps.
Tags: Cats, cats, Dogs, dogs, health, holidays, Pet Health, Pet Safety, safety
Happy Spring! Can you believe that spring has officially begun? Time for spring cleaning, changing the batteries in the smoke alarms, and time to start thinking about spending some more time outdoors. Depending on where you live, this means that our furry family members will be outside more and will be exposed to those pesky fleas and ticks. Fortunately, as a responsible pet parent, you are going to be proactive about their protection.
Tags: Ask the Vet, Cats, cats, dog safety, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, pet behavior, Pet Health, pet health, pet info, Pet Safety, Pets, tips, Vet
This past November, our very own Dr. Flavia Zorgniotti, from Phoenix Veterinary Hospital in Wayland, MA held a lecture discussing acupuncture for pets. We were very excited how well received the lecture was and even more excited about Wicked Local's coverage of the event.
Tags: Cats, cats, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, Pet Health, pet health, pet info, Pets, Vet
February is Pet Dental Health Month so we wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of the importance of keeping up with the dental health of our furry family members. Luckily for us, we recently had a veterinary dental specialist join our Best Friends family. His name is Dr. Gary Goldstein and, not only is he our new Chief Medical Officer, he is a Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry and is certified in Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery.
Tags: Ask the Vet, Cats, cats, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, Pet Health, pet health, pet info, Pets, tips
Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and sharing food and fun with our family and friends. Of course we would want to include our furry family members in the merriment! When it comes to enjoying this Thanksgiving with our pets though, we have to be very careful to not accidentally make them ill.
Tags: Ask the Vet, cats, dog safety, dogs, health, holidays, pet advice, Pet Health, pet health, pet info, Pet Safety, Pets
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is caused by bacterial organisms called Leptospira which is spread via the urine of infected animals. These bacteria can be shed in the soil and water which can then serve as a source of infection for dogs.
Tags: Ask the Vet, dog safety, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, pet health, pet info, Pets, Vet
The last Tuesday of February has been coined "World Spay Day" in an effort to make a positive impact on the pet overpopulation problem. If you're wondering whether or not to spay or neuter your pet, take a look at our list- the Top Five Reasons to Spay & Neuter Your Pet!
Tags: Cats, cats, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, Pet Health, pet health, pet info, Pet Safety, Pets, Rabbits
